The ship exports of East China's Fujian province surged to 5.27 billion yuan ($730 million) in the first four months of the year, representing a 17.1 percent year-on-year increase, according to the Fuzhou Customs.

Fuzhou Customs said the performance was powered by key markets including ASEAN and Latin America, with exports to ASEAN a standout, soaring 245.2 percent to 2.06 billion yuan, accounting for 39 percent of the province's total.

Ship exports to Latin America were also a star, leaping 18.8 percent to 870 million yuan.

Fujian's shipbuilders are said to be adapting to shifts in the global market by ramping up their innovation and transitioning to greener, smarter manufacturing, as well as striving to explore diversified international markets with booming export orders.

Bulk carriers and ro-ro ships are dominating exports, while state-owned enterprises are leading the sector, contributing 4.54 billion yuan and accounting for 86.3 percent of the total exports carried by ships in Fujian during the same period. Private firms also saw rapid growth, with their exports surging a whopping 118.8 percent to 670 million yuan.

To support the local shipping industry amid rising global demand, Fuzhou Customs is streamlining its clearance processes, offering tailored solutions to help Fujian's vessels sail smoothly in international markets.